While they are known for being loving, playful, and effective as guard dogs; Pitbulls are also known for their aggressive and even dangerous demeanor. Because of their prevalence and their mixed reputation, some cities and states have deemed it necessary to enact special laws and provisions about this breed.
These laws are usually made up of restrictions, like making things like microchipping and confinement rules mandatory for Pitbulls and other so-called fighting breeds, which also include bulldogs. The strictest of these laws apply outright bans on owning Pitbulls at all, like in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
In California, there are only two areas with enacted ordinances about Pitbulls, in Lancaster and San Francisco, and both deal with sterilization requirements. This means all Pitbulls are over 8 months must be spayed or neutered. This lack of legislation makes the state a relatively relaxed home for owners of the breed.
This is not to say that as a Pitbull owner you can let your guard down in California, or anywhere else for that matter. It’s still important to know about any local rules about your dog. There are often parks that have separate zones for Pitbulls and for all other breeds. It is a real responsibility, owning this kind of dog. In fact, lawmakers and critics of the breed do have statistics to back up their claims.
Pitbulls are listed as the most dangerous dog breed worldwide. They also clock in at number one on the list of the most reported for being involved in biting incidents. Interestingly enough, California enjoys its own notoriety when it comes to dog bites: it is the state with the highest instance of dog bites in the country.
This combination makes it especially important for Pitbull owners in California to follow basic guidelines for safety. The ASPCA maintains that Pitbulls themselves are not to blame and advocate for dedicated training. This includes behavioral education like socialization and teaching commands. But it can also include using a muzzle if there’s a likelihood of biting. Getting a microchip in your dog is another great way to decrease your overall liability. If your dog is missing, there’s more chance of a problem occurring.
Some areas demand that Pitbull owners provide special documentation, in order to demonstrate that they are financially responsible to own the breed. This is because of the increased risk associated with the dog. Although not required in California, it’s not a bad idea to think about covering yourself with insurance and thinking about what you would do in the event that there was a biting incident with your dog.
If you have been bit yourself, or have had a problem with your own dog and another person, the first thing to do is to contact an experienced lawyer. A police report will usually need to be filed as well. Make sure to take any photographs or witness statements that you think may be useful in the future.
With proper training, of both pet and owner, Pitbulls can be a wonderful part of the family. It is important, however, to be responsible and acknowledge the risk associated with the breed.
blogs
Personal Injury Lawsuits: What You Need to Know and how RS Law Office Can Help
Life is pretty unpredictable. One minute you’re healthy and bubbly, the next one you are nursing an injury due to someone else’s negligence. But the fact that life is unpredictable does not in any way reduce the pain and confusion that may arise when you find yourself in harm’s way due to another person’s negligence. […]
How Dangerous are Ride Shares?
Everyone with a smartphone now has access to the next generation of personalized, private transportation. It used to be a matter of calling and reserving a cab or, in some places, hailing one from the side of the road. Since ridesharing is a new phenomenon, however, all of the kinks are still being worked out, […]
Driving on the 101
Living in California, there is a big focus on driving. With everyone rushing off to work, sitting in traffic, or getting around to see people, it can be easy to forget how much fun the open road can really be. As we swing towards the end of summer, you want to set aside some time […]
Four Surprising Myths about Motorcycle Accidents and Injuries
Motorcycles have become a pretty popular way to get around in the country. In California alone, there are over 790,000 registered motorcycles. This number is set to increase as more people choose the convenience and the fun that comes with getting around on a motorcycle. But despite these increasing numbers, there are countless myths and […]
Bicycle Safety Tips
Bicycling might be the true essence of freedom in transportation. No dependence on anyone to get around except yourself, no motor to make you drive out of control, and you can park your bike just about anywhere. Still, safety while riding a bicycle is just as important as with any other mode of transportation, especially […]
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in the United States
Whether due to size, or footprint of the motorcycle, or sheer stability, or a combination of these factors, motorcycles are much more likely to be involved in an accident than other automobiles. Certainly, in some cases, this is a visibility issue as well, with many drivers of other automobiles not looking in their blind spots […]
Commercial Truck Accidents
While it may not seem like it, there are bigger differences when dealing with a truck accident than just the size of the vehicle. Although they are well insured, companies with commercial trucks will fire back at you with a whole legal team to avoid paying out for damage, injury, or even death. This is […]
Five Safety Products for Motorcycle Riders
Approximately ten percent of motor vehicle deaths in the United States can be attributed to motorcycleaccidents. Safe riding and defensive driving are important to all motor vehicle operations, of course, but making sure you’re stocked up on the right equipment to make your ride as safe as possible is critical to avoiding accidents or, in […]
Five Products for Increased Pedestrian Safety
While pedestrians typically have the right of way in most places, that doesn’t automatically make everyone around you a better or safer driver. As pedestrians, we have to activelypractice safety in order to make sure that we are the ones most responsible for our personal safety. Staying aware of our surroundings is always step number […]
Finding the Right Mechanic
In a state like California, which is full of drivers, it is interesting that finding a trustworthy mechanic is such a difficult task. There are many inscrutable technicians out. It is not uncommon to be informed, months after the supposed installment, that your “brand new brakes” have actually never been changed. And, surprisingly, even in […]
contact form
